The Effect of Pediatric Inpatient Fall Prevention Education on Caregivers' Fall-related Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to identify the effect of pediatric fall prevention education with leaflets and picture books on the fall-related knowledge and preventive behaviors in caregivers of inpatient children. Methods: This study is a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. It divided 62 caregivers of inpatient children aged 5 and under into an experimental group and a control group in P general hospital located in B City. Results: Fall related knowledge score in the experimental group was increased by 2 points after the intervention and the score in the comparison group was increased by 0.1 points. The difference after the intervention in fall related knowledge scores between the two groups was statistically significant (t=7.67, p<.001). The fall related prevention behavior score of the experimental group increased by 9.3 points after the intervention, and the score of the comparison group increased by 2.5 points. The difference in the scores of fall related prevention behaviors between the two groups was statistically significant (t=5.71, p<.001). Conclusion: Pediatric inpatient fall prevention education using leaflets and picture books can improve caregivers' fall-related knowledge and preventive behaviors. In turn, this can reduce children's falls in pediatric wards in general hospitals.